How CU Boulder’s New Venture Challenge Accelerated the Vision for Front Range FireWise Botanical Garden

Written By Jason Wiley

In 2025, the CU Boulder New Venture Challenge (NVC) became a pivotal turning point for what is now one of Colorado’s most innovative climate adaptation projects — the Front Range FireWise Botanical Garden.

As a CU Boulder staff member, student, and horticulture professional, I had long envisioned a public garden that would help communities design wildfire-resilient landscapes. But it was the structure, mentorship, and visibility of the New Venture Challenge that transformed that idea into action.

A Top 12 Semifinalist in CU Boulder’s Startup Competition

Our project advanced to the semifinal round of NVC 17, placing us in the top 12 out of several hundred startups across CU Boulder. The experience connected us with sustainability-minded mentors, entrepreneurial training, and peer feedback — all of which accelerated the garden’s development timeline.

Our NVC pitch: A FireWise demonstration garden, public education center, and resilient plant market serving wildfire-prone Front Range communities.

From Concept to Community Impact

Since participating in CU Boulder’s startup competition, we’ve:

  • Launched a full website: www.firewisebotanical.org

  • Developed FireWise landscape design and consultation services

  • Engaged with city planners, fire mitigation leaders, and CU Boulder affiliates

  • Outlined a plan to establish a FireWise demonstration garden, with CU Boulder South as a potential future home

While the New Venture Challenge didn’t create the idea, it catalyzed our momentum and put us in front of people who could help us grow.

How CU Boulder Supports Climate Innovation

The New Venture Challenge and CU Boulder’s Deming Center for Entrepreneurship offer a unique space where sustainability meets startup energy. Our project represents how ideas from CU staff and students can address real-world problems — especially as Colorado faces increasing wildfire risk.

What’s Next for FireWise Botanical

The momentum from NVC continues to grow. We are building Colorado’s first FireWise-focused botanical garden, one that educates, inspires, and protects.

Visit firewisebotanical.org to:

  • Learn how to landscape for wildfire resilience

  • Book a FireWise design consultation

  • Support the development of our demonstration garden

Jason Wiley